The Sable German Shepherd is a special dog. They have two-toned hairs which makes them look like a wolf.
But what about their nature? Are they any different from other German Shepherds? And if so, how?
We know that GSD is a dog with many qualities. The GSD is loyal, kind, and smart. They make great watchdogs and therapy dogs. Besides this, they are great pets. But what about the Sable GSD?
In this article, we’re going to talk about the Sable German Shepherd and how they are different from other German Shepherds. Of course, I don’t mean in looks.
What Is a Sable German Shepherd?
Sable German Shepherds have a distinct coat color and pattern. While most people associate German Shepherds with their black and tan coats, the first GSD, Horand von Grafrath (also known as Hektor Linksrhein), was raised by Max von Stephanitz as a sable dog.
Sable German Shepherds are regarded as quintessential dogs since their DNA is close to that of wolves. In German Shepherd genetics, this is also the most dominant gene.
The early German Shepherds were all sable in color. The term “sable” refers to a coat that is multicolored and has black tips. It can show up on any type of base coat. This is normally red or tan in the German Shepherd breed.
These puppies aren’t often referred to as sable German Shepherds by breeders. Instead, they refer to themselves as German Shepherd Agouti.
The Sable genetics
For a long time, scientists have researched the genetics of sable German Shepherds. While many details remain unknown, we do know the following:
The dominant gene, which can be written as, is responsible for the sable hue (AW AW). For example, black and tan is (AS AS), bicolor is (AT AT), solid black is (AA), while recessive black is (aa). The SV recognizes all of these color genetics.
Von Stepanitz established the SV as the breed standard, and it is something that all other breeders strive to achieve.
There are various mutant colors, such as the pure white GSD and the panda GSD, to name a few. They are the product of the original genes’ mutation.
However, not all sable dogs are the same (AW AW). Some dogs have recessive genes, such as (AW a), a German Shepherd who seems sable but may have recessive solid black puppies.
In German Shepherds, the sable gene is the most dominant color gene. In other words, even if their puppies are of a different color, all dogs carrying the (AW) gene will seem sable.
Do Kennel Clubs recognize the sable coloring?
The German Shepherd, like other dog breeds, comes in a variety of coat and color types. It’s important to understand that some colors are considered undesirable by kennel groups and are usually noted as faults.
Many would-be dog owners desire their canines to have a beautiful and distinctive coat color. Even though the color of the dogs has no bearing on their behavior, health, or fitness you must be aware of the permissible color if you choose to get a puppy and want to show him.
That’s why many people wonder if the sable is recognized by kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club AKC. To figure this out, we’ll need to know the GSD color palette.
Colors that are acceptable in the German Shepherd breed include:
Black and tan, black and silver, red and black, black and cream, solid black, and black and red are all examples of tans and mixed colors.
Sable Species – A light sable color, a black sable color, a bi-colored sable color, and a darker sable color are all accepted too.
Rare hues, such as gray and blue, are not accepted to the AKC since they are classed as defective colors. As a result of this list, the kennel clubs consider sable to be an acceptable coloring.
History of the Sable German Shepherd
The German shepherd, also known as the Alsatian Wolf Dog, was developed primarily for the purpose of herding sheep in Germany. Due to its strength, trainability, and intelligence, it has now become a popular working dog for positions such as search and rescue, police, and military.
The breed arose from a tendency in the 1850s to standardize canine breeds to aid in specific tasks, such as herding sheep.
Max von Stephanitz, a pioneer in this field, was on the lookout for canine specimens that matched his ideal concept of a working dog.
In 1899, he discovered his ideal dog at a dog show. He bought Horand von Grafrath and established the Society for German Shepherd Dogs to promote the breed and others like it.
Horand, who was actually a sable-colored German Shepherd, became the breeding program’s focal point. Horand had 84 puppies, and substantial inbreeding was required to maintain the breed’s features.
Because of its strength, intelligence, and frightening appearance, the German Shepherd became popular with criminals and bootleggers when it was imported to the United States in the early twentieth century. He was also popular in Nazi Germany, with Adolf Hitler being a fan.
As a result, he has earned a reputation as a vicious, intimidating, and sometimes lethal breed. This, however, speaks a lot more about how the dogs were treated than about their actual nature.
Sable German Shepherd Dog
Before we talk more about the Sable GSD, let’s revise what we know about the GSD.
The German Shepherd is a great dog. They have some of the best qualities. And according to the American Kennel Club they rank third of the most popular breeds!
But, what’s important to state is that the Sable German Shepherd puppy can cost anywhere between $800 and $1500 in the United States. For a standard German Shepherd, the price is a lot cheaper and is normally between $300 and $700 for a puppy.
When I was a kid the GSD was the first dog I learned about. They were super popular back then too! But why are they so popular? What is it about the GSD that people love?
Nature of GSD
The first reason why they are so popular is their nature, how they are as dogs. What comes to your mind when you hear German Shepherd?
For me, it’s strength and loyalty. I’ve always seen these dogs as very strong and devoted to their owners. And they really are like that.
The German Shepherd is a brave and strong dog. They are reserved, so they are not very friendly with strangers. That’s why they make great watchdogs!
But when you manage to become friends with them. Then, you have a friend for the rest of their life. They are also protective and loyal. So if anyone tries to attack you they will protect you. That is for sure!
The German Shepherd Dog is a dog that has a particularly intense connection with humans. It is amazing how well these dogs can be socialized and trained if you put in the work. Training them is so easy because they want to please their owners.
They want to carry out the tasks you assign to them. What’s also worth mentioning is that their high level of intelligence allows them to understand the tasks quickly and implement them flexibly.
Colors
The GSD comes in different colors.
The most popular colors are
- black
- gray
- black and tan
- blue
- red and black
- black and silver
And of course sable! But what color is sable? I’ve never heard of it! Have you?!
A sable-colored German Shepherd has silver, gray, or tan fur. Nothing new. But their individual hairs have black coloration or black tips! So that is what I mean when I say two-colored hairs and not fur.
But does the color affect how they are? Are they different from other GSD?
While you’re here read our articles on other GSD colors:
- All Black German Shepherd: Why They Are Special
- White German Shepherd Puppies
- Liver German Shepherd: What You Should Know
- Panda German Shepherd: Breed Guide
- Blue German Shepherd: Basic Breed Info
Nature of the Sable GSD
The Sable GSD is actually very similar to German Shepherds. There isn’t much difference. But we are going to talk more about sable dogs and their nature. This is such a great dog that they deserve it.
The Sable GSD weighs between 75 to 95 pounds and is up to 26 inches tall. The females are a bit smaller. They weigh between 55 to 73 pounds and are no taller than 24 inches.
FUN FACT
The Sable German Shepherd actually has Agouti genes, and that’s also the proper term for these dogs.
The Sable German Shepherd puppy has a double coat, which means they have a dense outer layer with a softer undercoat. Their double coat protects them from cold and hot weather.
Appearance of the Sable German Shepherd
The eyes of a sable GSD are normally black, or at least should be a color that complements the sable coat. The nose of a long-haired sable German Shepherd is usually black, which could be related to a hereditary flaw.
Because their color pattern is not recognized for displays, the sable German Shepherd is mainly utilized for working purposes rather than for shows.
They are called sable because their fur is banded, which means each hair has more than one pigment (they are multi-colored) with black tips.
Brown, silver, and black are the most prevalent colors, however they can also be red. A coating of black hair covers these hairs most of the time.
Because the sable coat can change after two years, anticipating what a puppy will appear like as an adult can be difficult.
The sable has a variety of patterns, but the most prevalent are black over cream, liver over cream, black on red, and occasionally silver on cream.
Gray German Shepherds are sable dogs, but their fur has a wolf-like tint to it. “Wolf gray” is a common nickname for this color. The coats of these dogs might be black over silver or gray over silver.
They are categorised as either short-haired sable German Shepherds or long-haired sable German Shepherds based on the length of their fur.
Possible colors of the Sable German Shepherd
Sable is a pattern, not a hue, as previously stated. It’s made up of a black or darker base coat with black or darker points. The majority of these puppies also have black masks, although it isn’t required.
We’ll go through some of the most common sable German Shepherd hues and show you how to picture them.
Tan
German Shepherds with a tan sable coat are the most prevalent sable GSD. This is due to the fact that black and tan German Shepherds are already relatively widespread.
Some of these puppies may resemble brindle at first glance, but closer study reveals that they have black tips rather than stripes.
Many dog enthusiasts confuse tan sable German Shepherds with golden sable German Shepherds because of their color, which is somewhere between red, brown, and yellow.
Red
Another popular sable German Shepherd color combination is red sable. Red is a common coat color in German Shepherds, just like tan, and many sable GSDs have it.
In fact, many German Shepherd owners agree that red sable is the most unusual and beautiful GSD coat color. When paired with black tips, the bright red coat creates a dramatic effect.
Black
When it comes to black sable German Shepherds, it’s important to note that there’s a difference between classic and recessive black sable puppies.
Sable dogs in black appear to be a dark shade of sable. While their coat will not be completely black, the majority of it will be dark in tone, with a few brighter areas poking through.
Black Sable German Shepherds are among the rarer GSDs, but there are still numerous breeders who create them, so you should be able to find one quite readily.
Recessive black sable German Shepherds, on the other hand, resemble complete black GSDs but are slightly lighter in tone. Their undercoat is similar to a very dark shade of brown instead of being all black, as you can see if you look closely.
GSDs with recessive black sable are relatively uncommon. They have a sable gene, thus they can produce sable or black and tan pups, despite their black appearance.
There are almost no breeding programs that concentrate in this shade of black sable because it is a recessive trait.
Blue
This is another sable German Shepherd color that is hard to come by.
A unique blue dilution gene causes the dilution of the black pigment, resulting in blue. It affects a GSD’s black pigment, converting every speck of black into a dark blue tone.
In other words, your GSD’s hair tips and mask will be a dark greyish-blue tint rather than black.
Not only that, but blue is one of the German Shepherd color variations that has no bearing on the dog’s coat. With the exception of black, your GSD can have any color coat and still be considered blue. The presence of the blue dilution gene is immediately discernible by the color of the pup’s nose.
All blue German Shepherds will, in fact, have a blue nose. The blue sable is the same way. Their eyes are often lighter in color. They can even be blue at times.
Because the blue dilution gene is recessive, this coat color is uncommon. Keep in mind that the AKC and other major kennel clubs do not accept this type of sable German Shepherd.
Liver
Liver German Shepherds, like blue German Shepherds, are the consequence of a recessive dilution gene, however this one dilutes the black color into a deep brown tone.
The majority of sable liver Black hairs will not be found on German Shepherds. The hair tips and markings will be dark brown instead. Even so, bits of black hair may remain since this gene does not always dilute all of the black pigment.
The most distinguishing characteristics of liver sable German Shepherds are a black nose, amber or green eyes, and brown lips and eye rims.
Grey
Grey German Shepherds, believe it or not, are a variety of sable German Shepherd. If someone says they have a grey GSD, they almost certainly mean a sable GSD.
Wolf grey is the name given to this coat color because it resembles that of a wolf. These puppies may have black markings on top of grey or even grey on top of silver.
Silver
Sable silver German Shepherds are comparable to grey GSDs, however their coats are lighter. Some of these dogs could fool you into thinking you’re dealing with a Siberian Husky/German Shepherd mix!
With or without the sable pattern, this is a distinctive color combination for German Shepherds. In addition, instead of having a black mask and black saddle markings, these pups may have grey markings.
Some experts believe that silver sable German Shepherds and grey sable German Shepherds should be regarded the same coat color because of the color overlap.
Gold
Golden sable German Shepherds have a pale tan or yellow base color with black points, giving them the appearance of being made of gold. Many golden sable German Shepherds are mistaken for bright liver sable German Shepherds.
The easiest method to identify if your puppy is yellow liver or golden is to look at the color of its snout. Golden GSDs have a black snout and dark eyes, whereas liver GSDs have a brown nose and dark eyes.
Are they rare?
Because the sable German Shepherd is a variation of the standard German Shepherd, these dogs have similar characteristics and temperaments.
Sable German Shepherds, on the other hand, are less common than other German Shepherd hues, making them more expensive.
However, some sable species are quite rare, with the recessive black being the most rare among this breed. The dog is always completely black, however it may also have sable or tan markings.
Does the color of Sable German Shepherds change as they get older?
Sable German Shepherds do have a tendency to change color. Sable GSDs are well-known for changing color when they reach maturity. It will change color a few of times before reaching adulthood.
It may be a lighter tint when they are younger, but as they become older, it may darken. The only unknown part so far has been forecasting how much darker or lighter a sable’s color will be after it reaches maturity.
You could have a notion of what hue it will be when it matures, but it can’t be determined simply by looking at the puppy. However, the parent might give you an indication of what the color will look like.
If the color is darker, the pup is more likely to have the same color as the parent, and vice versa if the color is lighter.
Temperament and personality
Did you know that the color of a dog can affect its temperament? Even health? For example, some colors of English Cocker Spaniels are more aggressive. Also, some shades of Labrador Retriever appear to have longer lifespans than others.
But, this is not the final rule. Science has not proven the correlation between coat color (or color patterns) and temperament.
When it comes to the Sable GSD, there isn’t a known difference to the GSD. At least nothing documented.
So, the Sable GSD has the same traits as regular German Shepherds. Which is great! It means they are good dogs.
The Sable GSD is loyal and smart. They love their family and would do anything for them.
They are working dogs. So they do best if they have a task! They hate being without a “job”. So always find something for your GSD to do!
It’s also important to socialize them. Expose them to as many people and places as possible. Let them meet other animals, put them in different situations. Only this way will they grow into stable dogs.
Are they good family dogs?
A Sable Shepherd is a wonderful family pet. They are wonderful guard dogs because they are so devoted and will try to defend you from anything unpleasant. However, you must train them from an early age to recognize that not everything is a threat, or they would bark for hours!
This puppy, without a doubt, requires a lot of activity and would thrive in a household that is ready to spend time playing with them. They require both physical and mental activity, and a large yard in which to run around and someone willing to teach them tricks will be beneficial.
Because this breed has a naturally high prey drive, you should exercise caution when first introducing them to children. However, when properly socialized, German Shepherds adore youngsters and will even take them under their wing. They also get along nicely with other family pets, so there will be no problems and they will quickly become a beloved member of the family.
Male vs Female
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. This dog breed is noted for its dependability, commitment, and courage, which no other breed can match.
There are males and females, just like all other living creatures, and you might be wondering what the difference is between the two genders.
Let’s begin with male sable German Shepherds and their characteristics. Male Shepherds are obviously larger and more muscular than female Shepherds.
Male German Shepherds are also more territorial and object-possessive than females. But don’t fret; this problem only arises when you spoil your dog and enable it to believe it is in charge.
Male dogs also like to form a strong attachment with a single owner. He also adores the rest of his family, but they would choose their owner over anybody else at any time.
Female German Shepherds, on the other hand, are often smaller and less muscular than male German Shepherds. Females are less territorial and possessive of their possessions than their male counterparts. They like forming bonds with both their male owners and the rest of their pack.
Female German Shepherds are much easier to teach than male German Shepherds because of their natural sensitivity and agility. They mature more quickly than males, making them easier to train.
Females are accepting of strangers and children, which makes them enjoyable to be around.
Implementing a thorough training regimen with your dog, regardless of the gender you choose to adopt, can help you keep it under check. Male dogs are valued for their power, but they are the finest choice when it comes to concentration, understanding, and obedience.
Caring for a Sable German Shepherd
Now that we’ve learned everything about the characteristics of the Sable German Shepherd, it’s time to see what it’s like to live with one of these dogs on a daily basis. We’ll talk about their nutrition and diet, as well as their activity and grooming demands.
Nutrition
Because the Sable Shepherd is a huge dog, their nutrition should be as well. It is recommended that you feed them a diet designed specifically for giant dog breeds, and you should always check the back of the dog food package to see how much food you should feed them based on their weight.
A Sable German Shepherd should consume 20 calories per pound of body weight per day, which equates to roughly 1500 calories. This amounts to about 3 cups of food.
They should be fed three to four times a day as puppies. This is especially critical in larger breeds since they are more prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach becomes swollen and twisted and is usually fatal. As an adult, these three to four meals can be reduced to two per day. If you have a hectic lifestyle, this can be reduced to one meal each day.
Their food should be nutritious and wholesome. It should include all of the nutrients required by a dog of this size, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Although some dog owners choose to offer their pooch raw food, high-quality dry kibble is a terrific option. Take a look at the cuisine we suggest in the list below.
Exercise
The German Shepherd, as a working dog and a breed that is frequently used as a police dog, need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. It should come as no surprise that this kind of dog is quite energetic and requires a lot of exercise.
You should make sure your German Shepherd gets 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day. This involves going for walks, playing games, and thinking about them. Your dog will also desire a large back yard to run around in, so if you live in a small apartment, they will not get the exercise they want. They may develop undesired and destructive habits as a result of irritation and boredom if they do not get enough exercise.
These dogs enjoy going on hikes and walks with their owners, as well as swimming, so make sure you have the time to spend with them outside before purchasing this breed. They could be the ideal exercise partner!
Because this is a huge breed, you should be careful not to overwork these puppies when they are young. Exercising too much can be harmful to their bone development. You should only exercise them for 5 minutes per month of their age until they are an adult, as a rule of thumb. If your GSD is four months old, for example, you should train them for twenty minutes.
Training a Sable German Shepherd
The Sable German Shepherd is a highly bright dog that is simple to train. You should begin training them at an early age and utilize positive reinforcement and reward-based strategies throughout. To demonstrate them that they are doing a good job, give them verbal praise and tasty snacks.
Because German Shepherds are tenacious, you should never chastise or scold them. They’ll also perform much better if you give them plenty of time to exercise before starting a training session. They’re also excellent investigators, so concealing treats and having them sniff them out is a fun game to play!
Socializing
We talked about how vital it is for your German Shepherd to be socialized. Because they are a working dog, they will assume it is their responsibility to defend you. Because of their hunting drive, they might appear aloof with children.
From a young age, you should introduce your Sable Shepherd to new sights, noises, places, smells, people, and animals in a calm and controlled manner so that they understand there is nothing to fear. Continuing to socialize them throughout their lives will also help them grow into a well-rounded canine.
Grooming a Sable German Shepherd
Because the German Shepherd has a double coat, it sheds a much. Two times a year, they will shed more, and the rest of the year, you can expect less shedding. This can always be helped by brushing them correctly. You may also take your dog to a grooming establishment to assist control his or her coat.
You might be able to get away with brushing your Sable German Shepherd dog twice a week if you’re lucky and have a medium-coated dog. If your dog has long hair, though, you’ll need to brush them on a daily basis to avoid knots and tangles. In any case, they are not the dog for allergy sufferers!
Brush their teeth every day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease, but you can also offer them dental chews every day to help keep their teeth clean. Check their upright ears as well, as they are more likely to pick up dust and debris.
Health issues of the Sable German
Sable German Shepherds are generally healthy and don’t have any major health issues. But, just like other large breeds, they are prone to hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, this is an inherited condition. So there is nothing you can do.
Hip dysplasia is a condition caused by improper creation of the ball and socket joint in the hip. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disorder, thus there isn’t much that can be done to avoid it.
However, the puppy’s environment may play a role in the disease’s progression, either worsening or assisting it.
The disease is identical to arthritis in people, and you must promote plenty of exercise in order to help the dog. Swimming, for example, can strengthen their legs and make them less prone to dysplasia.
You must also make certain that they are properly fed. Sable German Shepherds need to consume healthy, protein-rich diets in order to keep energetic.
Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder is the greatest way to ensure that your dog is less susceptible to this sickness. Also, check sure the parents of the puppy you’re buying have health certifications.
Finally, keep an eye on your dog to see early indicators of these problems and take them to the vet for frequent checks.
Aside from hip dysplasia, this breed is susceptible to bloat and gastric dilatation-volvulus. This can be avoided by lowering your dog’s feeding habits and avoiding excessive exercise after meals.
Cataracts, allergies, bladder stones, pancreatitis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders are some of the other health difficulties that sables face.
Most common health issues
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Vizslas are prone to this bone and joint disorder. The femur does not meet the pelvic bone appropriately, causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be excruciatingly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping, all of which are plainly seen in your beautiful pup. To preserve your dog’s quality of life, discuss care with your veterinarian as soon as feasible.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen, mold, and dust cause people to sneeze. Instead of sneezing, allergies in dogs produce itching. Atopy is a name used to describe a common skin allergy in these puppies. The feet, tummy, skin wrinkles, and ears are the most commonly affected locations. Symptoms normally emerge between the ages of one and three, and they can get worse as time goes on. Licking the paws, stroking the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent allergy symptoms. The good news is that these diseases can be treated in a number of different ways.
Obesity
For all dogs obesity can be a serious health issue. It’s a dangerous disease that can lead to or exacerbate joint pain, metabolic and digestive difficulties, back discomfort, and heart disease. When your pet looks at you with those adoring eyes, it’s tempting to offer her food, but you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie goodies. Instead, hug her, clean her hair or teeth, play a game with her, or take a stroll with her. She’ll be happier, and you’ll be happier as well!
Cataracts
In older canines, cataracts are a common cause of blindness. The lenses of his eyes become more opaque—in other word, hazy rather than clear. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and live happily ever after. Surgical removal of cataracts and restoration of vision may also be a possibility.
Bloat
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV or Bloat) is a condition that affects dogs with deep, narrow chests. This indicates that your dog is more vulnerable than other breeds. The stomach twists on itself and fills with gas when a dog bloats. The twisting cuts off the stomach’s and sometimes the spleen’s blood flow. If left untreated, the sickness can kill your dog in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave (but nothing comes out), be agitated, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery, which involves tacking or suturing the stomach in place so that it does not twist, is a possibility.
Does the Sable gene have an impact on the dog’s personality or health?
Many dog owners want to know if dogs of a particular hue are more likely to develop a serious health problem.
While it’s true that some genes, like as those for parti markings or a solid white coat, raise the chance of some health problems, there’s no evidence that sable coloring harms a dog’s health.
The sable color is caused by the agouti gene. This is a well-known gene that has no impact on a dog’s health or temperament.
Nurture and nature are the only factors that have been demonstrated to influence a dog’s behavior. In other words, how you or the breeders treat dogs will determine how they act.
A puppy raised by loving human parents is more likely to grow up to be a well-behaved, polite canine. If you abuse your dog, though, he will become aggressive.
German Shepherds, being huge and protective canines, require plenty of socializing. They can become harmful if you don’t socialize them in a timely manner.
Still, the owner, not the sable coat color – or any other coat color for that matter – has the final say.
Getting a Sable German Shepherd: How much do they cost?
When it comes to German Shepherds, they are no “low-cost” breed. There are many breeders in the United States who sell high-quality, well-trained sable German Shepherds.
When purchased from a reputable breeder, Sable German Shepherds typically cost between $500 and $1,500.
You might pay thousands of dollars for sable German Shepherds with pedigrees, specific lines, working titles, paperwork, and puppies with a professionally regulated breeding history.
A sable German Shepherd, on the other hand, is more expensive than a regular German Shepherd. Its high value stems from its remarkable intelligence and unwavering devotion to its masters.
When a German Shepherd dog is crossed with a Great Dane or a Pitbull dog, some of the characteristics of the sable German Shepherd dog can be matched. So make sure you buy from a reputable breeder, because some may try to sell you a crossbreed as a purebred dog.
Where Can I Buy Sable German Shepherd Puppies?
To be safe, never buy a sable German Shepherd puppy from a pet store or an internet business that promises to ship it to you without asking you any questions other than “check or charge?”
The reason for this is that these puppies are bred in puppy mills. They are likely to be unwell when they arrive, and to make matters worse, they will have missed a critical period of basic training, making them impossible to train or control.
If you’re looking for the greatest sable German Shepherds, I suggest going to trustworthy breeders, animal shelters, or rescuers.
You might be surprised how many of them end up without a home. When sable German Shepherds reach the age of six months, they are frequently abandoned because they are no longer considered “cute” by their irresponsible owners.
Rescues and shelters
If you want to adopt a sable German Shepherd, you should look for adoption centers that are reputable.
Many dogs are available for adoption at a rescue center, and the same is true at shelters; nevertheless, any candidate must be thoroughly vetted before taking home a pet. A rescue institution verifies that the candidate’s lifestyle is pet-friendly.
Because of the vet checks they provide, their prices may be higher. In addition, rather than being kept in chilly kennels, the dogs are placed in foster homes.
Adoption procedures in shelters, on the other hand, are more permissive. Candidates are screened before they are hired. In addition, they provide a temporary home for a sable German Shepherd.
Sable GSD FAQ
Are they rare?
In comparison to the common tan and black or red and black hues that dominate the breed, sable German shepherds are extremely rare.
This is why a sable puppy will almost certainly cost you more than a puppy of other colors. Pure black German shepherds, on the other hand, are a bit harder to come by.
Is there a difference between Sable German Shepherds and other GDS?
The difference between a Sable German Shepherd and a normal GSD is minimal. The most noticeable difference is the color of their coats, which is due to a dominant gene that sable-coated dogs acquire. They have the same temperament and requirements as other GSDs!
What is the price of a Sable German Shepherd?
The price of a Sable German Shepherd puppy can range from $800 to $1500. A typical German Shepherd is far less expensive, costing between $300 and $700 for a puppy.
If this is out of your price range or you prefer to adopt, you may always check your local shelter.
Are German shepherds suitable as family pets?
German shepherds are wonderful energetic household dogs with proper training and socialization. They will be protective, caring, and obedient.
They get along well with children, though tiny children, regardless of breed or level of acquaintance, should always be monitored around dogs. Even when children are around dogs they have grown up with and are familiar with, accidents can occur.
Are they aggressive?
German shepherds have a reputation for being distrustful of strangers, which can lead to overprotective and territorial behavior.
Although proper socialization can assist to mitigate this personality feature, it is likely that they will carry some of it with them for the rest of their life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Sable German Shepherd isn’t much different from your traditional GSD, except for their unique coat color.
The Sable German Shepherd needs a strong hand. They might not be high-maintenance in terms of grooming, but they are high-maintenance in terms of training and socialization.
This breed can’t really develop fully without proper and intensive training. But, they also need to bond with their family. Their great nature and enormous productivity will blossom fully only with mutual respect and a close emotional bond with their family.
Because training is so important for these dogs, you might want to contact a professional dog trainer. A well-trained German Shepherd will be confident in dealing with other dogs, even if they bark at him, or will stay quiet in his corner when you’re in a public place.
While you’re already here, read our other articles on German Shepherds: